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oysters

Oyster Fest is Back at Lily’s Dayton

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Lily’s launched the return of Oyster Fest last night and it will run through  Feb 1st.
In the 10th year of  hightlighting oysters, they’re bringing back favorites and have added some new dishes. Emily shared with me a new preparation they’ ll be serving this year is Oysters Danielle a la Steamhouse Lounge, inspired by her visit to this Atlanta eatery.  Proving what. small world we live in, this place was located next to my comedy club in Buckheard and my favorite eatery in Atlants.
Check out the full menu below including Oyster Fest cocktail and wine pairings.
Reservations aren’t required! However they are suggested during Oyster Fest. Follow this link to book your table, or give us a call!

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th St
Dayton, OH
937-723-7637

Tues – Thurs 4:30-9pm
Fri 11am – 2pm and 4:30 – 10pm

Sat 10am – 3pm and 4:30 – 10pm
Sun 10am – 3pm and 4:30 – 9pm

9 Places For Oysters in the Miami Valley

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Oysters are highly nutritious shellfish that offer a wide array of health benefits. They’re packed with high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — all of which benefit health.

East Coast oysters are known for their briny, salty, and complex flavor, with hints of seaweed, minerals, and sometimes butter. West Coast oysters are known for their sweet and fruity flavor, with notes of melon, cucumber, and citrus.

East Coast oysters are long and smooth, with a narrow base and tear drop shape. West Coast oysters are round with rough, fluted edges.

The size of the oyster doesn’t much matter, it’s a personal preference whether you look them big or small, but it should look full within the shell. A quality oyster won’t be too thin or too salty.

While some people believe you should let it slide down your throat without biting it, chewing it one or two times will allow you to get all the flavor.

While it’s not necessary to use condiments, and some people actually prefer their fish plain, there are a variety of garnishes that can add an extra pop of flavor! Lemon, cocktail sauce, or a shallot mignonette are all common choices. These all add a little zing, without completely overpowering the taste of the oyster.

Where to order oysters in the Miami Valley:

Club Oceano Seafood & Bar
4429 Cedar Park Dr, Beavercreek
 (937) 988-0909

Oysters Rockefeller  - Baked Oysters Topped with Cheese, Chopped Spinach, Green Herbs, and Citrus Bearnaise. $26
Fresh Oysters  – Half dozen $20, One dozen  $39
Monday Special- $1 oysters all day when ordered 6 at a time.
Flemings Steak House
4432 Walnut Street at The Greene
937-320-9548

harvested by hand, flown in daily, freshly shucked and served with house-made mignonette | Half  $25 / Dozen $ 49

Papi Grande

Foremost Seafood

1912 Woodman Center Dr, Kettering
937-298-1986
Initially just a wholesale provider, we have expanded to provide fresh seafood to local customers as well.
Here’s what’s in stock this week: In-shell chesapeake bay oysters  $12 dozen, West Coast papi grande $18dozen
Shucked- $24 pint
12 in-shell frozen dozen $19

Gather at The Arcade
37 West 4th Street, Dayton
937) 637-3945
Will be offering a rotating selection of freshly shucked east coast and west coast oysters with mignonette, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and crackers for $2.50 a piece. **While supplies last

Jay’s Seafood

Oysters on the half shell

225 E. 6th Street in the Oregon District
(937) 222-2892
Oysters on the Half Shell -Blue Point from Long Island Sound, juicy and mild in taste
$2.75 ea / $6 for $16.50 / $12 for $33
Oysters Rockefeller – (6) Freshly opened oysters with fresh spinach and spices topped with mozzarella cheese $17.5

Sea Jax Tavern

5900 Bigger Road, Kettering
937.439.1664

OYSTERS RAW OR FRIED*…$3.39
each extra select oyster served with Jax House made cocktail sauce, lemon wedge and saltine crackers. Delivered fresh daily- subject to sell out

The Paragon Super Club
797 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. Washington Twsp
(937) 433-1234

Oysters Rockefeller- A classic beginning to any meal  $18
Fried Oysters $18

The Silver Slipper
1105 Wayne Ave, Dayton
(937) 344-8531

Oysters are delivered each Wednesday essentially direct from the farms. Our weekly oyster selections aim to highlight regional differences (west coast puget sound, west coast british columbia, canadian maritime and new england) as well as geographical differences (oceanic vs river influenced, beach grown vs tidal raised, etc.).  Range from $3-$4.50. Served w/ mignonette & lemon, tabasco on request, cocktail or horseradish .50¢

Sonora Grill
5438 Burkhardt Rd. Dayton
(937) 963-2205

Ostoines Zarandeados- 12 pieces marinated in garlic butter and a touch of chipotle perfectly grilled on the grill.  $24.99

Ostoiones Permidaos – 12 fresh pieces, accompanied with shrimp and octupus ceviche. $35.99

Got a favorite place we missed, leave us a comment below.

Oyster Fest Kicks Off at Lily’s

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It’s the 8th edition of Lily’s Oyster Fest. These special will be served during sinner service only through Sunday, Feb 4th, except on Mon & Tues when Lily’s is closed.  All items are while supplies last.  Reservations are suggested, but not required. Here’s a look at the menu:

 

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th Street
Dayton, OH 45402-2909

937-723-7637

Dinner Hours:

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 4:30pm – 9:00pm

Friday and Saturday: 4:30pm – 10:00pm

Lily’s Brings Back Oyster Fest!

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Oyster fest is back at Lilys for the 7th year, staring tonight and will run Wednesday -Sunday nights Jan 25-Feb 5.  They’ll be serving east and west coast oysters on the half shell with your choice of cocktail sauce, horseradish, or mignonette for $2.5/each, optional hot sauce and/or saltines, all along with some of their favorite baked and fried preparations!
Walk ins are always welcome, but reservations are a good idea too and can be made online at https://www.exploretock.com/lilys or by giving us a call at 937-723-7637.
For non-oyster eaters, don’t worry, they’ll have their regular menu available, too!

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th St,
Dayton, OH 45402

937-723-7637

Lily’s Oyster Happy Hour Starts Today

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Lily’s in the Oregon District will be offering discounted oyster happy hour from Tuesday through Sunday from 5-7pm until March 21st for dine in only. According to owner Emily Mendenhall, “we had so much fun at this year’s 2-week oyster fest and we’ve been brainstorming what we’d like to do for a revamped happy hour.  We’ll run this for 2 weeks and then evaluate it to see if it’s well received enough to make it a permanent thing.”

They’ll be serving up  oysters on the half shell, oyster shooters, fried oysters, oyster po boys, and Vietnamese baked oysters- “which are a Cochon (a NOLA restaurant owner Emily once worked at) inspired baked oyster in a garlic, lemony compound butter with red pepper flakes,” according to Chef Don Warfe,  who also shared that it was one of the big hits during their Oyster Fest.   There will also be specials on glasses of wine, beer, and cocktails!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyster lovers are encouraged to arrive early, as they will start each day with a limited quantity to ensure freshness, and when they are gone they are gone.  Warfe shares they will have both east coast oysters, which are generally saltier, a bit bigger, chewier, and have a longer, paisley shape. as well as  west coast oysters that seem to have a  signature cucumber or melon note, they’re mild in salt and tend to be smaller overall.

 

Reservations are suggested, make them by  calling 937-723-7637, walk ins welcome as well.

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th St
Dayton, OH 45402

Tuesday- Thursday  5 – 9pm
Friday: 5 – 10pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm, 5 – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm, 5 – 9:30pm

4th Annual Oyster Fest at Lily’s!

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From Tuesday, January 26-Sunday, February 7 (excluding Mondays when they are closed) from 5-9pm Lily’s  will be celebrating these delightful bites of pure ocean flavor! Guests can enjoy a massive selection of the oysters prepared in a myriad of ways at this Oregon District eatery.  What you’ll find on the Oyster Fest Menu:

RAW

Oysters on the half shell choose either Assorted East Coast (Washburn, Bluepoint; typically ‘meatier’ but individual sizes vary) or West Coast (Barron Point-typically deep-cupped and more petite) $2.50 each choose up to 1 sauce per 2 oysters: horseradish, cocktail sauce, or lemongrass mignonette. Saltines and hot sauce available at no cost upon request

Oyster shooter – ‘Bloody Mary:’ Belle of Dayton Vodka, Lily’s signature Bloody Mary Mix, celery& raw oyster 7

Bloody Mary Shooter. Photo by Donald Lawson

Sake: Chilled sake, ponzu citrus soy vinaigrette, sesame seed, raw oyster 7
SOUP AND APPETIZERS:

Oyster and potato leek New-England style chowder 6

Oysters “Cochon-feller”: oysters baked on the halfshell with butter, garlic, and sambal, inspired by Emily’s favorite oyster preparation from her former employer, Cochon, in New Orleans 12 add freshly baked rosemary-garlic focaccia bread for dipping +5

Photo by Donald Lawson


add freshly baked rosemary-garlic focaccia bread for dipping +5


Fried Oysters with Lily’s spicy remoulade 10

Fried oysters. Photo by Donald Lawson

ENTREES:

Oyster Scampi: shucked oysters and angel hair pasta in a white wine, garlic, and butter sauce with fresh herbs and oven-roasted cherry tomatoes 20

Fried Oyster Po-Boy: Fried oysters on french bread, ‘dressed’ with lettuce, tomato, and lily’s remoulade, served with house garlic fries 17

Oyster Po Boy. Photo by Donald Lawson

Lily’s is also offering specials on champagnes and sparkling wines, which serve as the perfect beverage to pair with oyster.
CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE SPECIALS:

LAURENT-PERRIER Brut Champagne (187mL-enough for two to toast)
Crisp, fresh and elegant, Brut LP is a pale golden hue, with fine and persistent bubbles. $16
CANARD DUCHENE Authentic Brut Champagne
Freshness and intensity bring together nobility and nature. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the wine is characterized by fresh fruit aromas jostling with brioche notes. The fruit aromas carry through to the palate and intermingle with pastry notes. $60
JCB NO. 21 FRENCH CREMANT
This is a top-of-the-range crémant that is crisp and textured while also fruity. It has richness, laced with acidity and citrus. Fresh and full of apple flavor, it’s an impressive wine that offers Champagne taste at a kinder price point. $38
POEMA CAVA BRUT ROSE
Fresh and elegant notes of strawberry, raspberry and rose petals. Balanced acidity keeps the wine light and fresh. $30
GIANCARLO PROSECCO
Easy drinking bubbles from Italy $28

Lily’s Dayton

Oregon District
329 E 5th St
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 723-7637
Tuesday- Thursday:  5-9pm
Friday: 5-10pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm (Brunch) 5-10pm

Sunday: 10am-2pm (Brunch) 5-9:30pm

Foremost Seafood: Get the Most Out of Lent

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Talk about Fresh …

For many of you this is Lenten season. For many of you it is not.  But there is one thing both groups should know.  A sort of secret place called Foremost Seafood in Kettering sells the freshest fish in town.  With grilling season starting in a couple of months, the timing is perfect for us to share our little know gem once again.

The Food Adventures Crew has been enjoying the benefits of Foremost Seafood for about 12 years now.

We have enjoyed seafood from all parts of the world and the freshest fish you can get your hands on in Dayton.

What’s this place and why is everyone crazy about place?  Let us explain….

HERE’S THE SKINNY on FOREMOST SEAFOOD:

Foremost sometimes gets crowded, so call in your order !

— This little known gem is located at 1904 Woodman Center Dr in Kettering, Ohio.

— Opened in 1983 it is a true mom and pop establishment with two friendly Daytonians at the helm, Tom and Pam Patterson.

— The staff is very knowledgeable and some are trained chefs.  They trim the fish with excellent precision, allowing for great eating and grilling enjoyment.

— Foremost Seafood is the seafood supplier for many local restaurants and grocers.

Fresh Fish trucked in almost every day

Hours: Tues – Friday 9am – 6pm 
                    Saturday 9am- noon
                    Sunday – CLOSED
                    Monday – CLOSED

— Foremost also carries olive oils, seafood spices, seafood  and special local sauces

— Seafood ranges from frozen crablegs and frozen shrimp to live mussels, live clams, live oysters, fresh scallops and more.

Mussels Steamed in white wine

— Fresh fish is brought in daily.  It is bought from 2 day boats which means the boats are only out fishing for 2 days.  After shipping to Dayton, these fish are just out of ocean or freshwater source for typically 3-4 days.  The fish are kept whole and not cut until you order it.  This is done on purpose to stay true to the fish.  They go through the trouble to get 2 day boats, so they keep that freshness by not cutting it up and displaying it until it is ordered.  Thereby minimizing the deterioration of the fresh fish.  The result is the best tasting fish around.

Steamed Clams

— Our favorite specials from time to time include fresh Carolina Shrimp, and live Softshell Crabs… both a couple of days out of the water.  They are definitely “must eats.” 

What other suggestions do we have ?  …… Here is our MUST EATS !

 

MUST EATS:

Fresh Salmon on the Grill and one Tilapia filet

—THE LIVE SHELLFISH:
Foremost has an amazing collection of live clams.  they have different sizes of clams and all are sweet and delicious , and easily steamed at home.  Serve them with butter for a heavenly bite.  The Cherrystones are the big clams we love best.  Also the live mussels are incredible.  Cook them in some wine and garlic and you have a gourmet feast for cheap.  Like Oysters?  Get to shuckin, they have live ones here you can enjoy raw or cook them at home!  Get your own order, we won’t share, we are too shellfish for that.

 

— FRESH ATLANTIC SALMON:
There are numerous types of salmon offered at Foremost Seafood.  From Scottish to Atlantic, we tend to buy the Atlantic Salmon. Quick recipe, get a filet, top it with olive oil, oregano, basil and garlic powder.  Bake it on 350 degrees for 20 minutes and you should have a meal to talk about for weeks,  This fish is the best for grilling in our humble opinion, get it with skin on when grilling and grill skin side down, until the final grill mark flip.

Red Snapper oiled up and ready for the oven

— FRESH RED SNAPPER:
“How’s your snapper maam?”  Fresh here at Foremost Seafood!  An incredible tasting fish, great for baking, needs little more than olive oil to bake it .  The unmistakable scales can be seen if you order the fish with the skin on, which we do.  The skin can be eaten or discarded, and acts as a buffer, to prevent overcooking of the fish.  Wana live on the edge?  Shake some cajun seasoning on that filet and have our own little “hot” party.

 

— THE BIG BAG OF FROZEN SNOW CRAB LEGS:

Look at this bag of snow crab clusters !

It is a party in a plastic bag !  This big bag of crab usaally has 3 or 4 big clusters.  Price is based on weight.  Two ways to cook these legs 1) steam them in 2 inches of water or 2) bake them at 300 degrees  for 15 minutes on a cookie sheet.  Melt some butter and get to crackin’.  The sweet taste of snow crab can really make any day special.

 

— FRESH SCALLOPS:
Always ask for the largest ones they have.  The price is more, but worth it.  The large scallops are succulent and easier to cook. You can grill them or bake them or pan sear them.  All three methods are terrific using olive oil, and promise to bring out the sweet juiciness of the scallops.  Serve with some garlic butter sauce, and you and your guests will be doing the happy dance.

 

Pan Seared Scallops

— FRESH SWORDFISH STEAKS:
 This is a nice presentation fish you can impress your friends with.  The fish is hearty, so it turns out well on the grill, baked or pan seared.  Lemon or fruit flavors pair well when cooking this fish.  People who like steak seem to like this fish.  The freshness of this fish can be seen in the color of the fish.

 

— FRESH LAKE ERIE PERCH AND WALLEYE:

We Baked this Swordfish with a Raspberry sauce


In the mood for some Ohio fish ?  Foremost is your hook up for Lake Erie Perch and Walleye.  These fish are great for fish frys and sandwiches.  Pan Sear the Lake Erie Perch and serve like sliders on dinner rolls with tartar sauce.   Or deep fry the walleye after dredging it using 2 packages Goldent Dipt all purpose breading and 1 Package Drake’s Crispy Fry Mix.

 

Pan Fried, Lake Erie Perch – we served it with seaweed

*****Here are a couple rules of thumb when buying fresh seafood.*****

First off, smell the raw fish you are about to buy.  If it is strong smelling it, means the fish is not fresh, dont buy it.  You want your fish to have that faint ocean smell, definitely not strong or sour.

Sometimes they have the whole fish on site for purchase.  If you are thinking of getting it, note that the clearness of the eyes is a sign of freshness, and the cloudy-eyed fish means it is not so fresh.

Fresh Shrimp

Don’t forget Foremost Seafood this Lenten and upcoming Summer. We have two tips when ordering
1) Get there early when you can , like when they open.
2) Call your order into 937-298-1986 in advance to avoid a line.

This Food Adventure feature as all about where to get fresh fish.  Take advantage of this special business.WE are lucky to have it in our community.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Join the 8,000 Dayton Foodies following Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here to like our page.  Each week we present an exclusive feature article right here and only here on DaytonMostMetro .com.  Stay tuned for more articles !

Please feel free to browse our original photos below.

Outside Foremost Seafood

Frozen Lobster Tails

Dayton Original Sauce for Sale !

Clams and Crab anyone ?

They even have frozen oysters on the half shell !

Live Clams and Frozen Crab ready for the kettle

Glazed baked Salmon

Inside Foremost Seafood

Grilling time soon ….

Live Mussels

Seared Ahi Tuna

Shrimp and Salmon

Live Oysters

Scallops ready to be cooked

Fish fish fish Fish

Big Ragu’s Deep Fried Walleye

Blue Crabs – alive !!

How bout some crab legs ?

Steamed Clams

Baked Crab Legs

swordfish

Baked Red Snapper

Shrimp boiled in beer

 

 

 

Foremost Seafood: The Freshest Fish in Dayton

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Owner Tom Patterson with a fresh fish order

Hey seafood lovers, Food Adventures with The Big Ragu & Crew is about to change your world.  There is a little known secret that has been in the Miami Valley for 30 years.  It is called Foremost Seafood, and it’s located at Woodman Center Drive in Kettering.   It is a seafood distributor, that has a retail store open to the public.  What’s the big deal?   Foremost gets daily shipments (not Sundays) of fresh caught seafood from Boston, Virgina, Florida and Alaskan suppliers.  This allows Daytonians access to an incredible variety of nautical fare and ensures the freshest seafood.  This is the type of access that is usually only found in mega cities.

It started with owner Tom Patterson, who in 1983 was typically listening to music like David Bowie in the basement of his parents home.  From that house he sold his first shipment,  fifty pounds of shrimp to the meat manager at Dorothy Lane Market, Helga.  He still provides seafood to Dorothy Lane Market to this day.  Over the years he has quietly built and empire and runs the buying for the business.  This is important because he is an expert.  Tom has a degree in marine biology from South Florida University.  He worked on shrimp farms in Ecuador in the late 1970’s.  During this time he also was setting trends in Galveston, TX by helping develop new shrimp farming technology.  His knowledge is Dayton’s gain, as this hometown boy is now a successful businessman, bringing quality eats to the Foremost faithful.  And they are faithful, most of his business is from customers that have been visiting the retail store for over a decade.  Today, deliveries from Boston and Virginia arrive by truck the next day, while seafood from Alaska and Florida are flown in specially to Dayton airport.

***HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Live Softshell Crabs are available in season, at Foremost Seafood

— Foremost Seafood is NOT a restaurant, it is a storefront to buy fresh seafood.  Think of it as a mini seafood market.

— Foremost provides seafood for most of the upscale, locally owned restaurants in Dayton.

— The fish they sell were caught on ‘day boats’ (only 1 or 2 days at sea).  Translation: these are the freshest fish available and were not sitting in a ship’s cooler for two weeks.  Only the highest quality is the rule at Foremost Seafood.

— The fresh fish is not displayed, it is kept whole and sliced only at the time of the order.  The reasoning is to keep air and light from deteriorating the meat of the fish. “Be loyal to the fish” is their mantra.  You order from a price list of fresh fish, they trim the fish and bring your order out for the ‘ok’ before they wrap it.

— Locally owed since 1983 by Tom Patterson and his wife Pam.  Another true mom and pop establishment.

Fresh Carolina Shrimp – Never frozen

— Experts handle the fish once it arrives in Dayton.  People like Chef Tony Coletta who worked at Garstkas and Chef Nate Young currently at the Oakwood Club

— Foremost offers over 300 varieties of fresh and frozen seafood specialties.

— Hours are a little tricky: Tuesdays – Fridays 9am -6pm, Saturday and Monday 9am-noon, Closed Sundays

 

***MUST EATS:

Fresh Carolina Shrimp:  Caught just a couple of days ago, these huge shrimp run about $14.99/lb and have never been frozen, which in Ohio is practically unheard of.   Taste the freshness without having to travel to North or South Carolina.  These shrimp are usually the 21-25 count per pound variety, and are absolutely incredible.

Scottish Salmon: Foremost usually offers 4 types of fresh Salmon, but The Big Ragu & Crew recommend the Scottish Salmon for some killer grilling this summer !!

Chef Tony Coletta & the Big Ragu holding a fresh, Wahoo fish that was recently caught in Hawaii

Cherrystone Clams:  Yes, they are alive.  You can shuck them and eat ’em raw, but our favorite is to steam them then dip them in butter.  Either way, be prepared for a fresh taste of the ocean!

Sushi Grade Tuna:  This tuna is super-high quality and can be sliced and eaten raw.  If sushi isn’t your style, consider coating the tuna with red pepper, sesame seeds or any spicy rub.  Then pan-sear it on all sides (even the edges).  We tried it both raw and cooked and loved it all.   Check out our photo album below where we cooked lots of Foremost items and holla’ at your foodie boys.

 

Fresh Tilapia:  You can still see the knife marks on the filets where it was carved.  Talk about fresh!  This mild fish is a favorite, even for the pickiest eaters.  Try it baked for 20 minutes at 350degrees.  Use your own spices, Don’t ask us, we aren’t chef’s we are just two guys that love to eat !  Check out their table of free recipe cards.

Soft-Shell Crabs: This delicacy is for serious eaters!  They are alive.  You can’t get any fresher than that.  The most popular way to cook these are breaded and pan seared.  They are also used in local sushi houses stuffed into ‘spider rolls.’  Softshell crabs are consumed entirely.  That’s right, eat the whole thing, shell and all.  Only for true Food Adventurers, and The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax  say they are delicious ! 

Crab Dip:  This slightly spicy dip is so addicting, you will have to lock the refrigerator.  Get some wheat thins or melba toasts and go to town on this stuff.  Made from a mixture of pseudo-crab sticks and cream cheese, it is perfect party snacking.  Food Adventures will not be held responsible for brawls over the last scoop.

What are you lookin at? Fresh Red Snapper

A couple of side notes:  With the demand for fresh seafood, (over half of it coming from Boston),  once in a while they run out of items.  It is the nature of fresh offerings.   But there are so many other choices like Blue crab from Virgina, Snow Crab legs, live oysters, the list goes on an on.  Fresh fish that we have been buying for years include Red Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo, Bronzini and Halibut.  Also, special orders such as live lobsters need to be pre-ordered.   They even offer do it yourself fish frys where pricing is based on pounds of fish purchased.

For years, The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have been hitting up this place for our party food needs, cookouts, or just a craving for some fish at home.  It is truly one of our favorites.  Foremost Seafood’s philosophy is simple, freshness and being loyal to the integrity of fish in regards to handling.  Owner Tom buys the best and sells the best.

Now you know about yet another Dayton gem.   Our city is lucky to have access to this fresh food.  Don’t forget to visit the free recipe table. Whether you want to eat healthy, or just love fish, get yourself into Foremost Seafood and see for yourself.  There is nothing fishy here.

Check out our stunning photo album below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE.  Come on, don’t be shellfish….

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Food Adventures Get Hooked at JJ’s Fish and Chicken

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Fried Tilapia and Perch Meal

You may have seen billboard signs in Dayton for JJ’s Fish and Chicken, calling fried food lovers like the “bat signal.”  As you know Deep Fried Foods have always had a special place in our heart.  Our fascination with such calorie busting meals took us on a little Food Adventure in North Dayton.  The destination was an old converted Taco Bell building which is the North Main Street location of JJ’s Fish and Chicken Drive Thru.  This place was brought back to life by a couple of brothers of Mediterranean decent.  Most of their business is drive thru or carryout, but we wanted the dine in experience to mingle with the staff and customers.  There isn’t much mingling as you are separated by plexiglass and an intricate spinning device where you pay and receive your food.  Let the Food Adventure begin…

JJ’s Fish and Chicken, North Main St, Dayton

We noted right away that they had some pretty good prices and a huge variety of fried seafood offerings.  Sure, they might offer some baked fish, but we were on mission of breaded pleasure.  They had some great specials for under $5, but we decided to go for a couple of the fish dinner offerings and a “pick 2 combo” of fried shrimp and chicken wings.  Your Food Adventure Crew also noticed a display case with dozens of containers of side dishes.  If there is ever a shortage of side dishes in the world, this case would feed North America for a week.  We ordered a personalMac n Cheese.  They nuked it and it was served so piping hot that we scorched our mouths and even after 5 minutes, we could still hardly take a bite of the mac n cheese.

Our eyes turned to a drink case that housed a bunch of Faygo pop, the pride of Detroit.  That’s all they have to drink, no water, no ice tea, just regular Faygo pop, the large 24 ounce bottles.  Your Food Adventurers dove in head first and grabbed 2 of them.  Already in a comical mood, a scalded and galded Big Ragu looked to take a seat.  With some of booths mysteriously missing, we decided to squeeze our petite frames into a front row seat on a couple of stools.  This allowed us to watch the cooks and customers interact like a breaded ballet.

Shrimp and Chicken Wing Combo

A bell rang and the plexiglass swivel device turned like a set of The Price is Right, to reveal a large brown bag.  Our feast had arrived.  We were fascinated with the glass separating the workers from the customers.  This is where all the action takes place.   There was a tender moment when we picked up our food, when the cook placed his palm against the bulletproof glass, and we put our hand directly against his, just like a prison scene….the walls cannot keep the man down!  The touching scene was halted when we smelled the aroma of freshly fried fish in the bags we were holding and realized we needed to eat now.

Inside the bag were 2 HEAPING white containers overstuffed with food.  The weight of each dinner alone required the use of a “spotter” to lift.  We heard angels singing as we opened styrofoam vessels of joy.  We noticed they served each meal with coleslaw, fries and a couple of slices of white bread.  We are talking old school stuff here.  Our meals were good, with the highlight being the fish.  The fried tilapia and fried perch were incredible.  We would also recommend fried walleye and the fried orange roughy.  We enjoyed the fish selections very much.  Meanwhile, The Big Ragu even downed some fried oysters which were fresh and juicy.    The Big Ragu did one of his patented “fat kid tricks”in which he made a po’ boy sandwich by putting perch, coleslaw, fries and hot sauce on the included bread slice.

The Mac N Cheese that scalded our mouth

We thanked the staff and left JJ’s stuffed to the gills.

If you love fried fish, you have to check this place out.  With such a huge variety of different fish and seafood choices, you cannot go wrong.  We had to chuckle at the menu saying zero grams of trans fat.  JJ’s Fish and Chicken is a national chain, with 2 other Dayton locations on N. Gettysburg and Salem Ave.  We noticed they do a brisk business.  Many hungry customers were in and out during our visit getting their “fried food on.”  So, we ask you, do you want a mountainous pile of fried food at a stunningly low price?  Then visit JJ’s Fish and Chicken Drive Thru and get hooked like us.